In Scotland

 Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and covers the northern third of the island of Great Britain. Edinburgh, which transformed Scotland into a major commercial, intellectual and industrial powerhouse of Europe, is the capital of the country.  The Kingdom of Scotland emerged as an independent sovereign state in the Middle Ages and continued to exist until Scotland, subsequently, entered into a political union with England on 1st May 1707 to create the new Kingdom of Great Britain. Later, Britain entered into a political union with Ireland, to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.  Scotland is a country member of the British Irish Council and the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. It is represented in the European Union and the European Parliament with six members.

 The name comes from the Scandinavians, for whom 'Yultid' was the festival celebrated in the twelfth month, being the twelfth name of Odin. He was supposed to come to Earth in December, disguised in a hooded cloak. He would sit for a while at the firesides, listening to the people. He would leave a gift of bread or coins where there were people in need.  The custom was to celebrate the Birth of Christ with all solemnity, the festivities began a few days later, and spilled into New Year and Twelfth Night, which was known as “Little Christmas”.

 Known as Hogmanay, the New Year in Scotland has a very special meaning: "new morning".  The Scottish New Year is known worldwide by the strong presence of traditions. Some of these customs are part of the culture of other countries, but get different directions in Scotland.  To start the new year with everything in order and positive energies the most traditional families in the country spend the day of 31 st December cleaning the house, paying special attention to removing ashes in the fireplace. Furthermore, it is important to start the year with all paid off debts, to achieve prosperity and success.  Another custom which marks the date is called "First Footing". During the first minutes of the New Year, people leave their homes to visit neighbours and deliver gifts.  The most expected moment is the fireworks at Edinburgh Castle when the sky gets different colours and people greet each other, toasting and wishing happiness for the New Year.

Gammon & Pea Soup Cromar Valley Roast Turkey Burns Night

Alexandra Césarnº28ºA Bárbara Castronº48ºA Eva Oliveiranº108ºA